Rulani Mokwena responds to Jose Riveiro’s MTN8 final crowd attendance comment

Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus went as far as saying “90 percent” will be black and white.

The two sides face off at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday evening, a fixture that will be televised on SABC 1 at 6pm, and Riveiro had told journalists on Tuesday he expects Pirates fans to outnumber the Brazilians.  

Mokwena responded on Wednesday afternoon when asked his opinion.

"There's two ways for this situation, it's good for Pirates. I honestly hope that 80% maybe even 90% are Pirates supporters because I know what happens. I've been at Pirates. So, no comment on that, let me leave it open," Mokwena said.

Sundowns mentor Mokwena doesn’t believe – should they indeed have fewer numbers than Pirates in the stands – the turnout will work against them because his players have experienced hostile environments in the CAF Champions League.

"I think we played our best games when we played in Wydad, in Algeria against Belouizdad they were whistling and they tried to make it uncomfortable for us. In Al Ahly the flames and smoke and things they tried to make it difficult for us," Mokwena added.

Downs beat Pirates 1-0 in a DStv Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium just two weeks ago, and Mokwena says even then his charges were bullish.

"I've seen the team respond even at Orlando Stadium twice last season, this season they tried to make things difficult for us and I've seen this team respond so I don't think that plays too much of a factor in terms of our approach to the game."